A toothache is probably the most common dental problem. However, they have multiple causes. A toothache can come on gradually–or attack with full force.
1. You sip a cold drink and–bam!–tooth pain.
When a cavity has eroded enamel it eventually reaches the layer underneath. This is called the dentin. This layer is softer than enamel and is filled with tiny tubules. A cold (or acidic) beverage that seeps into the tubules can hit the nerve (or get close enough) to make you cringe. If this happens to you, call our office today. You may have a serious cavity. If you get treatment ASAP, you may save the tooth.
2. You bite down hard–ouch!
Tooth pain that accompanies biting could be a sign of an infection or abscess in the pulp of the tooth. It could also stem from a microscopic crack. Regardless of the cause, you need to have it taken care of. Otherwise, you could lose the tooth.
3. Wait a minute–is something moving around in there?
Unless you are a kindergartener excited for the tooth fairy, it’s not a good sign to suddenly feel that a tooth is loose. In an adult, it could be the result of an injury to the tooth. The jolt could have stretched some of the small ligaments. These are the cords that hold the tooth in place. Perhaps you can’t recall bumping your tooth or mouth. In this is the case, you could have a nighttime tooth-grinding issue. Tooth grinding while sleeping can wreak havoc on your teeth as well as cause severe headaches.
Another possibility is gum disease. Periodontal disease is caused by a bacterial infection that can destroy both gum tissue and the ligaments that hold the teeth in place. This advanced form of gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Don’t ignore a toothache!
Waiting too long to care for your teeth can result in health dilemmas—and not just in your mouth. If you have a toothache, loose tooth, or other pressing dental issue, we encourage you to call our office today to schedule an appointment.
We offer sedation dentistry
If you have dental anxiety, at Kenneth Hovden DDS we understand. Many of our patients experience dental anxiety or complete dental phobia. We offer sedation and anti-anxiety medications to help you get through your treatment.
Contact Kenneth Hovden DDS:
650-755-6000
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
901 Campus Dr Ste 202
Daly City, California
94015
